Frank Williams First Formula One Car

Towards the end of their time working as self employed contractors at Gomm Metal Developments, Dave worked on Frank Williams Racing's first formula one car and Bill was asked to join the development work on the Gulf GR7 racing car which was later finished at J W Automotive in Slough, Berkshire.

Politoys FX3

Team photo outside the workshop

Frank Williams Politoys FX3

Backing from the toy manufacturer Politoys enabled Frank Williams to build his first in-house Formula one racing chassis which was designed by Len Bailey. The chassis was built at Gomm Metal Developments and the car was finished in the workshop next door by Frank's mechanics. The car was driven by Henri Pescarolo, but unfortunately he crashed and destroyed the car in its first race at the British Grand Prix.

Gulf GR7

Gulf GR7

The GR7 was another Len Bailey designed monocoque sports car using similar suspension components to the Formula one car he had designed. It competed in World sports car races and was sponsored by the major global oil company Gulf.